“Ahhh, it smells so good.”
During the holidays, to walk into a Williams Sonoma store is to be walloped with the inimitable scent of the holiday season: cranberry; cinnamon; citrus; rosemary; vanilla.
How do we do it?
We miss the “before times” when we were able to share hot cider and peppermint bark samples with our wonderful customers during the holidays. But we haven’t lost touch with that holiday charm, and we want you to feel welcome, happy and a little nostalgic when you come in. Enter: the simmer pot. Whether you concoct yours in a Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge or one of our many other stunning Dutch ovens, it’s as simple as throwing pantry staples into a pot of water, then letting it simmer away while you greet friends. (Really. Think: peppercorns; cinnamon sticks; lemon; a piece of winter greenery!) A simmer pot is a lovely olfactory element to add if you’re hosting a happy hour, cookie swap, gift swap or some other festive holiday party.
We have two recipes we swear by. Here they are. Happy holidays!
Williams Sonoma Signature Simmer Pot
Welcome guests to your home this winter with the fragrant aromas of rosemary, vanilla, and lemon via this easy simmer pot. As the ingredients warm slowly on the stove, they begin to release a combination of fragrances that may remind you of a soothing cup of tea or creamy, lemon-scented custard.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Up to 2 hours
3 sprigs of rosemary
1 lemon, cut into slices
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
8 cups water
In a Dutch oven, combine the rosemary, lemon, vanilla extract, and black peppercorns. Cover with water and bring to a simmer over low heat. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for up to 2 hours.
Williams Sonoma Holiday Stovetop Simmer Pot
Fill your home with the inviting aromas of winter fruit, spices and herbs with this holiday simmer pot. For an extra yuletide flourish, add a small branch from your Christmas tree to the mix.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: Up to 2 hours
1 orange, cut into slices
½ cup (4 oz./ 125 g) fresh cranberries
2 cinnamon sticks
½ cup (4 oz./ 125 g) mulling spices
Sprig of Rosemary or from your holiday tree
8 cups water
In a Dutch oven, combine the orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, mulling spices and herbs. Cover with water and bring to a simmer over low heat. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for up to 2 hours.
3 comments
Love these potpourri recipes. Yes, I too would like to print them out.
Good idea! We updated the format to make the recipe printable. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Please consider adding an option to your blog to make the posts printer friendly. So many wonderful recipes and ideas